Controls Engineer; Manufacturing Environment

Cérélia's newly established Frozen Breakfast Business Unit – US Waffle is driving an ambitious growth strategy backed by two manufacturing facilities in Liberty, SC and Hazelwood, MO. To support rapid scaling at the Hazelwood facility, US Waffle seeks a dynamic and skilled Controls Engineer.

Job Title: Controls Engineer
Department: Maintenance/Engineering
Reports To: Maintenance Manager
Site: Hazelwood, MO
FLSA Status: Exempt

• Report to work as scheduled every day, and demonstrate outstanding attendance.
• Troubleshoot and resolve electrical and controls-related issues to minimize downtime and support production needs.
• Own and support all plant control systems, including PLCs, HMIs, VFDs, and SCADA systems.
• Actively support the maintenance team on the floor as part of daily operations.
• Occasionally perform mechanical and electrical work (“turn a wrench”) to support uptime and team effectiveness.
• Develop, modify, and optimize PLC and HMI programs to improve equipment performance, reliability, and efficiency.
• Support and lead controls integration for new equipment and capital projects, including:
  Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT), Site Acceptance Testing (SAT), startup and commissioning support, system validation and performance optimization.
• Standardize controls architecture and documentation across the plant.
• Maintain and update electrical schematics, network layouts, and controls documentation.
• Partner with OEMs (e.g., ovens, packaging systems) to support troubleshooting, upgrades, and system improvements.
• Ensure proper backup and version control of all PLC and HMI programs.
• Support plant network related to controls systems (OT network), ensuring secure and reliable connectivity.
• Identify and implement automation improvements to reduce labor, improve throughput, and enhance product quality.
• Support root cause analysis (RCA) efforts for recurring downtime and implement permanent corrective actions.
• Train and support maintenance technicians in basic controls troubleshooting and system understanding.
• Collaborate with maintenance and operations teams to ensure equipment readiness and minimal disruption to production.
• Ensure all control systems comply with safety standards, GMPs, and food safety requirements.
• Support integration of systems with ERP/plant systems (e.g., Plex) where applicable.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives related to automation, controls, and system performance.
• Perform other duties as assigned or of a similar nature or level.

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, or a related field.
• 5+ years of experience in controls engineering within a manufacturing environment (food/CPG preferred).
• Strong experience with PLC programming (Allen-Bradley/Rockwell strongly preferred).
• Experience with HMI and SCADA systems (Factory Talk, Wonderware, or similar).
• Strong knowledge of industrial networks (Ethernet/IP, Modbus, etc.), VFDs, motors, and electrical systems.
• Troubleshooting electrical and automation systems in a live production environment.
• Hands‑on experience supporting maintenance teams, including mechanical and electrical troubleshooting.
• Experience supporting capital projects, including equipment installation and commissioning.
• Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics and technical drawings.
• Experience working with OEM equipment and vendors.
• Familiarity with food safety, GMP, and regulated manufacturing environments.
• Experience with ERP systems (Plex experience a plus).
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Strong problem‑solving and analytical skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced environment.
• Strong communication skills across technical and non‑technical teams.
• High sense of urgency and accountability.
• Ability to train and develop maintenance personnel on controls systems.

This role may initially operate as an individual contributor but will have the opportunity to build and lead resources over time.

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Full Time Exempt 40 hour per week position; it may require working additional hours depending on business needs.

This position may require minimal travel.